Creating Beautiful, Resilient Landscapes in a Semi‑Arid Climate Kamloops gardeners know better than most that summer heat can be relentless. With long stretches of hot, dry weather and increasingly common water restrictions, choosing plants that thrive in drought conditions isn’t just practical — it’s essential. Fortunately, many beautiful, hardy plants are perfectly suited to our semi‑arid valley climate. This guide … Continue reading →
We are grateful to Megan Blackwell from the Invasive Species Council of BC for providing us with an update on the Japanese beetle situation in the Kamloops area. While she cannot confirm any specific locations, she has confirmed that adult Japanese beetles are now emerging and active in Kamloops. We encourage residents to keep an eye out and report any … Continue reading →
Many thanks to Jan for the recipe for these delicious bars which she served when we visited her beautiful garden. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes Yield: 12-16 bars Simple raspberry streusel bars with four incredible flavors: a buttery shortbread crust, thick raspberry filling, brown sugar streusel, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing. Ingredients Crust … Continue reading →
Heat Management, Harvest Abundance, and Preparing for Fall August in Kamloops is hot, dry, and often smoky. Gardens need steady care to stay productive and healthy. This is the month to keep watering consistent, harvest generously, and begin subtle transitions toward fall. Fruits & Vegetables Water deeply and consistently — Continue long soakings every 3–4 days. Drip irrigation or soaker … Continue reading →
Keeping Blooms Coming in a Hot, Dry Climate Deadheading — removing spent flowers — is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden blooming beautifully. In Kamloops’ dry heat, intense sun, and fast-draining soils, deadheading becomes even more valuable. It helps plants conserve energy, stay tidy, and continue producing fresh flowers through long summer stretches. Quick tip: Deadhead in … Continue reading →
We recently had the opportunity to learn how to successfully lift and divide irises from local expert gardener Anne Ritcey. Thank you so much for walking us through the entire process and generously sharing your expertise with us. We truly appreciate your time and guidance. Here are the step by step instructions: A MESS!!. A clump that is very overdue … Continue reading →
What To Do With Overgrown or Root‑Bound Containers By mid‑summer, even the healthiest hanging baskets and planters can start to look tired. When plants are growing in the ground, they have endless soil and space to expand. But in containers, roots eventually run out of room — and that’s when baskets begin to decline. The good news? Overgrown containers are … Continue reading →
Garden News & Views has sprouted! Our new companion site adds a fresh corner to the Kamloops Garden Club’s online garden—perfect for sharing other garden club newsletters, quick updates, and glimpses into the beautiful gardens tended by our community. Take a stroll through the new space: Garden News – Garden News and Views If you’d like to showcase your garden, … Continue reading →
Keep Summer Containers Blooming Hanging baskets and planters bring instant colour to patios and entryways, but they also dry out quickly and burn through nutrients faster than garden beds. With a little steady care, you can keep them lush, full, and blooming beautifully all summer long even in Kamloops’ 30–40°C heat. Watering: The Most Important Task Containers dry out far … Continue reading →
A shade cover for heat sensitive plants can reduce UV rays by 70%. Photo: Lee Valley Tools It’s a well-known secret that Kamloops gardeners have a gambling problem. One variety refuses to accept the conventional wisdom that you shouldn’t plant tomatoes before the May long weekend. “But it’s so hot already. A couple of weeks won’t matter,” … Continue reading →
